From deepest, dubbiest Poland comes Radikal Guru, a DJ and producer who is considered one of the brightest lights in the roots-influenced underground scene in recent years.
Real name Mateusz Miller, as Radikal Guru he has fashioned a distinct sonic signature that fuses dub, reggae and dubstep into a vibrant palette thats spans dancefloor bangers to meditative explorations.
With the release of his latest album 'Dub Mentalist', this year has also seen his debut LP 'The Rootstepa' re-issued on vinyl.
Radikal Guru brings his soundsystem-inspired music to Australia for only the second time when he makes his Island Vibe Festival debut in October.
How has 2018 been for you so far and what have you been up to this year?
2018 has been really good for me so far. Apart from moving to a new studio, I've had a chance to perform a few live shows and DJ sets promoting my last album 'Dub Mentalist'. It was a great opportunity to reach out to new audiences in Europe and US.
Are you excited for your upcoming trip to Australia for Island Vibe Festival?
Yes, very much. I'm glad that I can come to Australia for the second time now. It will be my first time playing at Island Vibe and visiting Brisbane area though. I've heard that it's a beautiful place, I can't wait to see it and experience it.
What have you got planned for your Island Vibe set?
I think I'll go for a showcase-style set. I'd like to play as many of my original tunes as possible, so will probably come across the older releases all the way to the new stuff. Also lots of dubplates, remixes and exclusive dubs. As always it will be in a rub-a-dub, bass-heavy, soundsystem style and fashion.
What are some of the 'island essentials' you'll be packing for this trip?
Definitely need my swimming gear; maybe I'll have some time to try a bit of surfing if possible. I also need to get ready for the hot weather, can't forget about proper sun protection (it will be almost winter time at home in Poland) and proper clothing. Will have dig out some of my tiki style shirts from my wardrobe for that occassion as well.
Your debut album 'The Rootstepa' has been re-issued on vinyl; what's it like for you looking back on previous work?
I'm really glad that finally my first album has been re-issued on a full vinyl LP; I have to thank Mack from Moonshine Recordings for taking the initiative and putting this together. I'm happy how all the tunes sound on the record. All of the tracks went through a new mastering process especially for the release. I think seven years is not that long and most of those tunes still sound fresh and as heavy as when they were originally released, except today they sound even better on vinyl.
How have you and your music changed since that first album?
So far it has been a really cool musical journey and this year marks ten years since my first official release as Radikal Guru. I think I've gained a lot of experience over those ten years and learned a ton of lessons on how to be a better producer, selector and live performer. I think I can gladly say that I've managed to stay the same person since I started my musical journey. Also, an overall vibe of the music remains the same and the mission is still to take dub music to another level. I always tried to keep an open mind and have a fresh approach when I started working on new material. I'm also still discovering new things in the studio to improve the quality of my productions.
When can we expect another album from you?
I'm not sure when the next full length album will be out, but I'm starting to put some ideas for it together and gearing up the studio right now. In the meantime I finished working on another single that will be released on vinyl this year on Moonshine Recordings.
When people think dubstep, roots reggae etc, Poland is probably one of the last places they'd associate with that kind of music; how did you come to discover it?
I came across reggae and dub music growing up in Poland in the '90s when it was already a well-established genre, with many reggae festivals and bands dedicated to this style of music. I got attracted to heavier sub-genres of reggae and dub when I moved to Ireland and was introduced to a jungle and drum'n'bass rave culture and started DJing. A bit later on I discovered dubstep, which at the time was gaining popularity all over the world as well as in Ireland and Poland.
Is there a strong dubstep/roots culture in Poland?
You'd be surprised seeing that Poland actually has a very vibrant reggae and soundsystem music scene that you can compare with other European countries. It all started in the '80s when Poland was politically-dependant on the Soviet Union and we were a little bit cut out culturally and economically from what was happening in the west of Europe at the time.Thankfully young people and students had built a strong underground alternative music scene as well. Young people that were mostly involved with punk rock and new wave had access to reggae and dub music from cassettes brought into the country from west side of the Berlin Wall. Some of the kids got influenced by what they heard and eventually started forming their own bands. Popularity of this music grew stronger due to the rebellious and freedom fighting content of the lyrics that appealed to the youths that had to face the grey reality of living under totalitarian communist government rule. Check out the bands like I2rael, Daab or R.A.P. Generation.
I lost a shoe in the dunes at Straddie a year or so back; can you have a look for it, please?
Sure maybe it's still there, will have a look around :)
You're stuck on a desert island – what's the one thing you'd need to survive?
My Family would definitely help me survive, probably a bit of food too.
Do you have a message for Australian fans before you get here?
Yes people make sure you make it to the shows, and don't forget to bring big smiles on your faces and positive energy with you! See you soon!
